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Inspecting an XKE

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Thanks Jesse, Ian and Basil.

One significant hurdle is that the car is in Cincinnati, and I am in Pasadena. Not sure what to do about that!
 
Put your big boy pants and wellies on. There are many on the left coast to be had. Sit tight and go to car shows, etc and view. I did know of a coupe a few months ago that could be had for 15K.
 
Julian:

Here is a link to the XKE Data site, which shows this car: https://www.xkedata.com/cars/detail/?car=1R26612

This site is an excellent resource and you can search the database and turn up some history on a particular car you are looking at if its been entered.

The floors can be repaired, and the front floor pan sections are available.You can DIY, provided you are a decent welder. As said above there are likley many other problems in hiding however.
 
jessebogan said:
I tell ya, if I were to win the lottery, I could have one of each, yes even the 2 plus 2.One thing I have found with the 2 plus 2s is, color is EVERYTHING. Willow green looks real good and disguises the size, primrose also. Regency red, or silver makes em look fat. I cannot imagine what a black one would look like. Might still be cool with a red interior. Still, the roadsters have a certain charm.... Decisions decisions....
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Jesse: Hey, I disagree with that comment about the Regency red making the 2+2 look fat! Pleasingly plump maybe. But heck, they used to say that about the XK150 too, now look at them. Which only proves that there just so many Jaguar sports cars in existence, and sooner or later even the un appreciated models will have their day.

Julian: This brings me to my point, that for your budget you are more likely to find a 2+2 in far better condition than a coupe of the same year and series. You can find an OTS S2 as a project car, requiring a lot of work. In which case buy the one with the best body, as the mechanical and interior will likely need to be redone on the lower priced "runners" anyways.

I love my 2+2. It has a manual 4 speed and from the cockpit it gives much the same experience as the coupe. It is of course much roomier and easier to get in and out of, and my wife loves to ride in it, all pluses. Here is a link to the XKE Data page that shows it: https://www.xkedata.com/cars/detail/?car=1R41606
 
D., above, is right about the "Wellies". Although I'm not in the market for a Jag, I happened upon a '72 FHC in nice condition last summer, listed in the local newspaper classifieds (does <span style="font-style: italic">anyone</span> sell a car in the classies anymore?).

I went to inspect it for a friend, it was in good condition. I did not drive the car, it had no tags on it. Someone did a thorough restoration job on it about 20 years ago and there was no rust, everything in the car had been fixed. Engine/drivetrain had about 25,000 miles, no problems. Nice paint, interior a little worn but good, etc.

The price: $17,000! I told the seller I'd call him back as soon as I could talk to my freind (in SC). The car was sold the next day!

I thought that was the best deal on any LBC I've seen in awhile.

Moral to story: such cars are out there. Be ready to wait many months, but you'll find one, especially in these crappy financial times. :yesnod:
 
Andy Blackley said:
Julian:

Here is a link to the XKE Data site, which shows this car: https://www.xkedata.com/cars/detail/?car=1R26612

This site is an excellent resource and you can search the database and turn up some history on a particular car you are looking at if its been entered.

The floors can be repaired, and the front floor pan sections are available.You can DIY, provided you are a decent welder. As said above there are likley many other problems in hiding however.
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Thanks Andy (and others).

The xkedata is a great site - in fact I updated the details of the V12 "frightfest" I went to see on Sunday (the body number was wrong), and while I was there I discovered that the Ebay seller had evidently been using photos taken by the previous owner in 2005, in his auction!

This is why it is good to check the EXIF data on auction photos :smile:

I think I will probably end up buying the Cincinnati car. I've had a couple of 'phone conversations and multiple emails with the seller, and I'm getting warm fuzzies. Plus it apparently has all service/maintenance documentation going back to original delivery etc. which is big bonus points in my book.

For shipping, I'm wondering whether the extra money it takes to have it shipped in a covered container from Ohio to California is worth it, or whether to go with top loading on the transporter, or not really care.
 
If you want/need someone to look in on it before pulling the trigger, I'd be happy to as I'm in one of the Cincinnati suburbs.
 
MikeP said:
If you want/need someone to look in on it before pulling the trigger, I'd be happy to as I'm in one of the Cincinnati suburbs.
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Yes, Mike, I'll PM you! Thanks!
 
Let us know how it works out guys??


Pete
 
Well, unhappily the seller decided to sell to somebody else (even though we'd agreed a price) - probably partly my fault since I was a little uncomfortable and hesitant about sending $$$ by wire across the country with no guarantees.

So, I'm still looking :smile:
 
I always have a weak feeling in my stomach when I do that but so far I have never been stiffed by a car guy. Couple of the cars weren't as good as I was lead to believe but prices were decent enough that I didn't get hurt. Always better if you can see the car before purchasing.

Good luck

Marv
 
Julian

Have you been to Jag-Lovers web site. There is a 1971 2+2 listed for $10500 in NJ. I know nothing about the car except what is listed.

Marv
 
Marvin Gruber said:
Julian

Have you been to Jag-Lovers web site. There is a 1971 2+2 listed for $10500 in NJ. I know nothing about the car except what is listed.

Marv
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Thanks, Marv - yes I have - it's actually a rust bucket :smile: The Cinicinnati car was on jag-lovers, so it's a good resource.
 
jjbunn said:
Well, unhappily the seller decided to sell to somebody else (even though we'd agreed a price) - probably partly my fault since I was a little uncomfortable and hesitant about sending $$$ by wire across the country with no guarantees.

So, I'm still looking :smile:
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All things happen for a reason, that one wasn't meant for you. Something better will come along. :smile:
 
I have bought two cars in the last 7 years sight unseen. Both were misrepresented by "CAR GUYS"..

Will never do that again......


Be patient ...your time will come!

Pete
 
Thanks for the encouraging words. I am still actively looking. There seems to be no shortage of these cars being bought and sold (unlike e.g. a GT6 or Stag), so I am optimistic.
 
Find the Jag independant shops around you and ask there. I have a customer w/ a roadster for sale, and it is not advertised anyplace. (He wants plenty for it, one of the last series 2s w low miles etc)
 
Another tip I was given once is to look in recent back issues of Hemmings, etc. Many times a listed car doesn't sell but the seller doesn't renew the ad. I imagine the same applies to eBay, etc. look at the closed auctions.
 
Julian...I have a 70 2+2 I bought in pieces that was only on the road for nine years (in salty roads eastern canada albeit) and it has minor rust in the footwells. the rest of the car is OK. This vehicle looks like an uncared for vehicle. My impression is that it doesn't have a lot of rust issues, but it is very hard to see the front frames etc if it is not apart. The sills could be an issue as well. The suspension bushing look shot from what I can see. It probably needs shocks. The interior is a mess. Door panels, etc need replacing. The headliner looks OK. An interior kit can run $5-6k. I'm doing mine myself in leather, making the panels etc. Lot of work but I have lots of time. The one thing that would worry me is this car is less desirable being a 2+2 than a convertible would be, and as a result is not as valuable in good condition, but all the parts cost the same when you rebuild. If you could get this car for $4k ish...it might be worth bringing back to good driver stage. This is assuming the engine/Tranny don't need work.

Good Luck

Joe Hine
 
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